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Louisville Metro Councilman Dan Johnson said he will file the necessary paperwork on Thursday to challenge state Rep. Denny Butler, the first Democratic member of the Kentucky House of Representatives to switch parties leading up to the 2016 legislative session.

In an email sent to about two dozen supporters on Wednesday, state Rep. Larry Clark, an influential lawmaker in Jefferson County, asked Democratic officials and others to join Johnson at 11 a.m. Thursday in filing as the secretary of state's office.

Johnson confirmed the contents Clark's email in an interview Wednesday evening but referred all further questions to his campaign manager, Johnathan Hurst, who did not immediately respond to a request for comment.

Johnson has served as an elected official representing southern Louisville for more than two decades, first as a member of the old Board of Alderman and as a charter member of Metro Council.

Butler, a former Louisville police officer who was first elected in 2012, could not be reached for comment.

The House district he represents covers parts of southwestern Louisville and is considered an area favorable to Democrats. Voters supported President Obama in both 2008 and 2012, and Democrat Jack Conway in last year's gubernatorial race.

Butler's switch to the GOP started the cascade of several House Democrats who either left the party or accepted an appointment from Gov. Matt Bevin. Butler’s father served for years in the state House and his sister, Marianne, is a Democratic member of Metro Council.

Reporter Phillip M. Bailey can be reached at (502) 582-4475 or pbailey@courier-journal.com